Equipment to help you

What is available?

If you have problems washing or dressing, there are many different types of specially designed equipment to make looking after yourself simpler and help you to stay living independently in your own home. This could be a raised toilet seat to help you get on and off the toilet safely or a long handled sponge to wash your back, these small pieces of equipment are known as Simple Aids and are now available on prescription.

If you are assessed as requiring more major pieces of equipment or adaptations to your home such as a stair lift, ramp etc, (known as Complex Aids) see our Adaptations to your home page.

If you are assessed as requiring equipment you can try it out before installation/purchase to make sure you get the correct equipment for your needs at the Independent Living Resource Centre in our demonstration kitchen, bedroom and bathroom areas, including the latest assistive technology and Telecare. The centre operates a drop-in service every Tuesday from 9am to 12.30pm, otherwise you can phone for an appointment,

In some cases, after discussing your needs, we may offer to arrange a visit to your home.

Who can get help?

Items of equipment are available for people who live in Enfield and who need practical help due to a disability, for example, sight or hearing loss, physical, mental or learning disabilities, frailty or illness. These pieces of equipment can sometimes be all that is needed to help you to maintain your independence and quality of life.

However, in order to work out just how much help is needed to make life easier for you, we do need to carry out an assessment.

What is an assessment?

After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them, according to the seriousness of your situation.

If you do not qualify for a service from Adult Social Care, you can buy the equipment directly from other suppliers. The Disabled Living Foundation is a national charity providing independent advice on mobility aids, disability aids and daily living equipment. They have a directory of suppliers and can give you advice on how to find and buy equipment privately.

How do I obtain a Simple Aid?

If you or someone you care for needs a simple aid to help with household tasks, there are two ways this can be arranged.

• If you are eligible to receive a simple aid, you will receive a prescription following an assessment from either, an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or district nurse.
• You can also buy simple aids directly from one of the accredited retail outlets within the borough.

What do I do with the prescription?

If you are given a prescription, you or a friend or family member can take it to one of the accredited retail outlets in the borough and exchange the prescription free of charge for the simple aid you have been prescribed. Receiving your equipment on prescription, means that you own the equipment and it does not need to be returned to the Council once it is no longer needed.

Visit the Disabled Living Foundation website

How much does the equipment cost?

The cost depends on the equipment you need, if you meet our criteria for equipment provision, recommended equipment might be provided for free. 

How to get in touch

If you already have a social worker or occupational therapist working with you, they will be able to advise on what equipment is needed. Alternatively, you can complete our online form to request an assessment of your needs or you can call Adult Social Care.

Request an assessment online

Adult Social Care
Phone: 020 8379 1001
Email: adultsocialcare@enfield.gov.uk
Textphone: 020 8379 6962
Fax: 020 8379 2810

Independent Living Resource Centre
The Assessment Suite
14 Centre Way
Claverings Industrial Estate
Edmonton , N9 0AH
Tel: 020 8379 6937